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Richard was known as an incredible vocalist, in the early days of Motown. He lent his tenor to sweeten vocal tracks, but stayed away from the public eye. This placed him in the unique setting of being the voice behind many of the leads in The Temptations; although, no one saw him in the group. He was on the microphone in the wings as the vocalist on stage lip-synched to his vocals, frequently receiving a standing ovation.
In 1971, through the orchestration of God's hand, Richard assumed his rightful place with the Temptations full time. After the arrival of Richard, there was a notable shift in direction. Within a few years The Temptations were tracking topical subjects such as the Vietnam War and urban poverty. He delighted television, stage, radio and record-buying audiences with his leads on "Heavenly", "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Firefly", "Hey Girl", "Masterpiece", "Every Time I Close My Eyes", "I'll Keep My Light In My Window", "Super Star", "Show Me Your Love", "Bare Back", "Standing On the Top", "Love Comes At Christmas", from the Christmas album "Everything for Christmas", "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", and many more. Among the awards Richard has received are three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and an NAACP Award. He was also there when The Temptations were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
For over 22 years as a member if the group, Richard performed hundreds of shows with the Temptations, along with other members past and present, they visited over 40 countries worldwide. A lot of worthwhile experience gained from living in the music business has given him the opportunity to reflect on his unique career in his upcoming book "Ball of Confusion", in which Richard chronicles his years with the group. Richard also continues to perform in his own show that includes the legendary music of the Temptations along with other classic hit songs that document the golden years.
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